California’s Trucking Emission Rules Face Possible Rollback
Good morning! Today’s news is coming in hotter than a diesel engine in a CARB compliance test—and it’s all about who controls the future of freight.
?? California’s truck emissions rules? On the chopping block. Trump and the EPA just sent CARB waivers to Congress, sparking a fight over who gets to set national trucking policy.
?? A global shipping tax? The UN is debating a carbon levy, but Brazil isn’t having it, arguing it’ll raise food prices and hurt trade.
?? Biofuels to the rescue? Not so fast. Major shipping players say palm and soy biofuels might actually be worse than fossil fuels—so much for a clean fix.
Buckle up—it’s a regulatory rollercoaster out there. Let’s dive in.
“You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That’s how prayer works.” —Pope Francis
California’s Trucking Emission Rules Face Possible Rollback
California’s strict trucking emissions rules could be on the chopping block. President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin just announced that CARB waivers, which let California enforce tougher standards, are headed to Congress for review.
Chris Spear, CEO of the American Trucking Associations, argues that one state shouldn’t set national supply chain policy. If these rules are overturned, fleet operators could see fewer restrictions and lower compliance costs—but for companies that already invested in cleaner trucks, it could mean regulatory whiplash.
?? Why It Matters: California’s policies impact the entire trucking industry. A rollback could shift fuel costs, fleet upgrades, and long-term sustainability efforts—all things that hit supply chains hard.
?? Hot Take: Is trucking policy shifting gears again? Less regulation might help operators, but constant policy changes make long-term planning a nightmare. Supply chains run on efficiency, not political ping-pong.
Brazil Pushes Back on Global Shipping Carbon Levy
The UN is debating a carbon levy on global shipping, and Brazil is leading the opposition, arguing it could hurt developing economies, raise food prices, and disrupt trade. Meanwhile, the UK, EU, and Japan are backing the proposal, hoping to fund climate initiatives by taxing CO2 emissions.
With 46 countries in favor, the IMO may move forward, but the big debate is where the money goes—helping countries transition to cleaner shipping or funding climate adaptation for poorer nations? With Brazil set to host Cop30 in November, its stance is raising eyebrows. A decision is expected by April, and things are heating up fast.
?? Why It Matters: A global carbon tax on shipping could impact freight costs, trade routes, and supply chains. Even if the levy fails, expect tighter emissions rules in the future. Either way, logistics is shifting toward a lower-carbon future—are you ready?
?? Hot Take: Like it or not, shipping is going to pay for carbon emissions—either through a tax or tougher regulations. Smart logistics pros are already planning for greener, more efficient operations.
Shipping Giants Warn Against Biofuels as a Green Solution
Major shipping players Hapag-Lloyd AG and Louis Dreyfus Armateurs are pushing back against crop-based biofuels, warning the IMO that without safeguards, biofuels like palm and soy oil could actually be worse for the environment than fossil fuels due to deforestation and land use impacts.
The IMO is pushing for net-zero shipping emissions, but the debate is heating up. Brazil, a major soy producer, is all-in on biofuels, while environmental groups and shipping giants say it’s not the right path forward. With shipping responsible for 80% of global trade, the fuel choice here matters for everyone.
?? Why It Matters: If biofuels get the green light, expect higher fuel costs, supply volatility, and potential environmental backlash. But if they’re rejected without a clear alternative, decarbonization efforts could stall. Either way, this decision will ripple through global logistics.
?? Hot Take: Biofuels sound like a clean fix, but if they’re worse than fossil fuels, what’s the point? The industry needs real sustainable solutions, not just a new way to burn carbon.